(Corrects to show that UEFA abandoned plan to relax restrictions in paragraph 7)
MOSCOW (Reuters) – According to Russian news agencies, the Russian Football Union (RFU) has decided against changing its membership from Europe to Asia, opting to remain aligned with UEFA as Moscow seeks to improve relations with the governing body.
In February 2022, FIFA and UEFA made the decision to suspend all Russian teams from participating in their competitions following Moscow’s military operation in Ukraine.
Last year, RFU head Alexander Dyukov had mentioned the possibility of Russia joining the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
“The question (of moving to the AFC) was discussed. We unanimously voted against as there are no guarantees from FIFA,” RIA news agency quoted RFU committee member Mikhail Gershkovich as saying. “We have decided to continue contacts with UEFA, especially as there is progress.
“Let’s see how the situation develops next year.”
In recent months, FIFA and UEFA have shown indications of easing restrictions on Russian youth teams.
UEFA had initially stated in September that “children should not be punished for actions whose responsibility lies exclusively with adults”, but later changed its plan to reinstate Russia’s Under-17 sides to European competition.
(Reporting by Alexander MarrowEditing by Christian Radnedge)
